The way we work has evolved in the last decade, but the global COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the pace of change more than we ever could have predicted. This has forced many businesses to fast track new technology and working models to help employees feel safe in their office. By now, we all understand that thorough cleaning, reducing touchpoints, and social distancing are essential components of responsible workplace design, and there is no shortage of products vying for a place in your building that do just that. But how do you know which ones are worth the investment?
From contactless visitor entry systems to voice-activated lighting, touchless technology will touch every aspect of our daily lives. So it’s important to choose workplace solutions that meet immediate safety requirements and provide long term utility to tenants and building owners.
Key Considerations When Selecting The Ideal Post-Pandemic Workplace Technology
Collaboration from anywhere
The future of work is hybrid, so no matter how safe you make your office, don’t expect remote working to disappear anytime soon (if ever). According to one study, 82% of employers intend to permit remote working some of the time as employees return to the workplace.
To bridge the gap between in-office employees and those working from home, choose a software solution that benefits your entire workforce. One example of this is implementing an internal helpdesk system. No matter where an employee is working, they are going to have questions, and having a universal system in place is the best way to ensure they are able to communicate, connect, and move between home and office.
Cut costs without cutting corners
When evaluating post-pandemic workplace technology, everything claims to be “simple and efficient.” But if you are looking for a quick fix, be prepared to deal with a wave of unforeseen costs. Consider the time and expense involved in onboarding a new technology before making your selection. For example, if you are taking a phased approach to repopulating your office, someone will need to be on constant call to train and support each group of new on-site employees.
If the workplace technology you choose makes it harder to carry out the tasks employees were performing pre-pandemic, the chances of it sticking around for the long term are zero to none. Choosing tools that integrate with your pre-pandemic systems will help employees adapt to the new normal almost naturally since they are already familiar with many aspects of the interface.
A reduced office footprint
When creating a touchless office, look for technology that not only protects your workforce but also the planet.
Energy use and environmental impact go hand in hand, and a smart building automation system can increase the simplicity with which a facility manager can reduce consumption, especially when many areas of the office no longer require constant heating and lighting due to reduced occupancy. Building automation creates more efficient processes for heating, cooling, and lighting a space, all of which can account for as much as half of a space's energy use.
Employee demands - balancing comfort & safety
Before returning to the office, employees need to feel confident that their safety is first and foremost, however, that is not the only factor at play. Many workers have become accustomed to the conveniences of a home-based work environment. Some of the benefits highlighted by those working remotely are no commuting, saving money, improved work life balance, less stressful working environment, and more time with family. To compete with the home office, employees will need more control over their environment to stay happy and productive.
According to a recent study from Gartner, 64% of HR leaders are making the employee experience a higher priority in their return-to-work strategy. Things like self-service climate controls and room booking are one way to increase employee autonomy without jeopardizing employee safety.
The Bottom Line
The COVID-19 pandemic has prompted a huge demand for new workplace technology, and its impact has made people all around the world more aware than ever of the necessity for health and safety measures. However, even if a solution satisfies these needs, it does not justify implementing temporary software that won’t outlast the pandemic. Choose a comprehensive solution with the staying power to protect and enhance your workplace in the years to come.
